Polo Shirts News

Michael Jackson in His Stylish T-Shirts

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:52:16 +0100

It is impossible to let the week go by without mentioning the iconic Michael Jackson. As investigators look into his death, the fashion world remembers his influence on styles over the years. Though the singer never really seemed to be trying to be a fashion trend-setter, he managed to have an impact as he simply followed his own personal style. From sequined black t-shirts to the famous �Beat It� motorcycle jacket, Mr. Jackson always seemed to have new ideas and new ways to wear the ordinary apparel.

It was his ability to wear even �nerdy� clothing with flair that often caught people�s attention. For example, during a time when white ankle socks were only worn by joggers, he turned them from nerdy to cool. White socks were back from the 1950s but they would never be looked at the same way.

The list of clothing that Mr. Jackson wore that become cultural symbols is long. There are the just-mentioned socks, the fedora, the military style jackets, jackets with offsetting trim designs and broad shoulders, black loafers, aviator sunglasses and the famous glove worn first in 1983. But what was really unusual about his iconic clothing was the fact the v-necked white t-shirts he often worn were unadorned and not the kind of clothing you expect to see on a superstar, but they were his frequent choice of apparel for both on and off the stage.

The Jackson style has influenced designers around the world over the years, but even recently his imprint could be seen on the catwalk. For example, Balmain used a military jacket in his spring 2009 collection that was reminiscent of the one worn by Jackson. That jacket showed up on the shoulders of Beyonc� Knowles and Rihanna.

Michael Jackson will be missed by fans but also by the fashion world. His flair for wearing both flashy and simple clothing is what caught the eyes of designers. He was unique and so was his clothing, and it has all been silenced now.

Reading the T-Shirt Tags

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:24:03 +0100

Have you ever wondered who makes those tags with the barcodes you see hanging on cheap t-shirts, swim suits, or evening gowns? Some of those tags with barcodes attached to clothes are supplied by a company that invests a lot of money in product development. In difficult economic times it is critical for companies to take advantage of technology and that is exactly what a company named Brand ID did in order to flourish. Technology provides an opportunity to remain cost effective without impacting service levels.

Brand ID is an apparel label and tag business that has seen continued growth despite the recession. It has managed this impressive feat by instituting cost effective measures that also made the company more competitive. This is the only clothing barcode supplier that can offer customers complete online access and account management. The company has production plants in California, Hong Kong, and Costa Mesa which means customers can stay on top of their accounts no matter where their order is being processed. This can make those little tags hanging on Sweats, dresses, suits, and all other fashion items take on new meaning. Currently Brand ID serves all sized customers and includes some of the biggest names in fashion. They include companies like Calvin Klein, Speedo, and Guess to name just a few.

A company spokesman for Brand ID said, "Some people are still faxing purchase orders on e-mail spreadsheets. We have the ability to have their information sent directly out of their systems and into ours so it happens seamlessly and automatically."

The system not only makes it easier for customers to track orders but it also cuts production costs making tags and trim more affordable. As Brand ID explains, "Some brands we were dealing with were doing a lot of in-house ticketing for retailers, maintaining personnel and paying for printers," said Craven. We've eliminated a whole department for them. They can outsource it to us without changing much of how they would do their business."

(c ) Image by Sergio Roberto, www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts and Van Heusen

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:04:40 +0100

Many people still think of the Van Heusen brand as being strictly business wear including the buttoned-down shirts to wear in board rooms. But Van Heusen also makes fashion for sophisticated fun such as a denim collection intended to be worn at parties and evenings out. Worn with t-shirts or polo shirts the denim collection jeans make great outfits for a number of occasions.

The Van Heusen denim collection is fashionable clothing that is clearly geared towards men wanting to exude confidence. The jeans have a high level of detail including colored stitching, plenty of rivets, and a lining. The collection is called Club Denims and were inspired by Club Bling.

Many people will be very surprised to discover Van Heusen makes such a fashionable line of clothing geared towards young men. The company is India�s premium brand for business wear but is now expanding into a whole new market. Its core brand is Rs.290 and is known for sophisticated styling. The new Club Denims line now brings contemporary and international styling to its clothing lines with Club Denims as part of its V dot wardrobe line for young men.

Unlike the more sedate business wear, the V dot denim clothing is designed for urban men who need clothing flexibility for dancing and clubbing. They are bold in style and include such features as surface sheen fabrics and unusual colour mixtures. The names of the various jeans tell it all. They carry names like Jazz and Pop. When worn with t-shirts or sweaters a man can�t help but look ready for whatever the night life offers.

If you have been thinking of Van Heusen as a sedate traditional clothing line then it�s probably time to look at its newest line. You can invest in the trendy jeans and match them with affordable printed t-shirts and find yourself ahead of the fashion trends.

Woodstock T-Shirts Return Again

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:06:29 +0100

For those who don�t remember, Woodstock was a concert held in the 1960s that celebrated the �Flower Power� generation of peace and love. It was held in a farm field in Woodstock, New York in the United States, and attendance was �half a million strong� as one of the songs sung by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young at the concert claimed. It was a musical event that has never been repeated and never truly can be.

During this era in American history many icons and logos were created that are seen to this day on t-shirts and jewellery. Who doesn�t recognize the enduring peace symbol for example? Recently there has been a resurgence in the use of the 1960s logos and symbols as the 40th anniversary of Woodstock approaches.

If you want to remember this time of free love, flowers, and calls for world peace, there is no better way than to wear retro-clothing. You can order printed t-shirts containing your favourite symbol of those long ago times. You can also find companies such as nopooh offering pre-printed shirts that are also eco-friendly.

To be true to the spirit of Woodstock, it only makes sense to buy organic or eco-friendly tees or sweatshirts. The shirts sold to distributors by Eternal Apparel are made from bamboo fibre for example. Bamboo is a renewable resource that can be used to make a fibre ideal for summer clothing. But any eco-friendly clothing that relies on sustainable resources will meet the spirit of Woodstock. The spirit of the 1960s embraced music and friendship and wearing a t-shirt with one of the easily recognized era symbols lets others know you have not forgotten. So go ahead and order printed t-shirt with your favourite design. It�s time to remember a musical event heard around the world.

Fashion Designers Wear T-Shirts Too!

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:14:12 +0100

Everyone wears t-shirts and they are no longer relegated to off-day wear. From children to famous designers, people adore the comfort of t-shirts and polo shirts too. If you look closely you will find people wearing these leisure clothes even to expensive galas simply by adding a few fashion accessories.

Designer Giles Deacon is a British fashion designer and he agreed to give an interview one day. What was he wearing? He was wearing jeans and one of his white t-shirts as he spoke about his training and career in the world of fashion. The interview was held in the V&A Museum in one of the lecture halls. He chooses to wear jeans and t-shirts because as he said, �I can�t bear the over-pretentiousness of things.�

Mr. Deacon was born in Darlington, County Durham in 1969 which is a decidedly practical and down-to-earth place to grow up. It would not seem to be an easy transition to the world of fashion, but his background gave him the solid foundation he needed to stay on track as he pursued his career is fashion designing. He attended Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design.

Mr. Deacon began his career as an assistant to French designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac. He also designed for other successful labels such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta, and Gucci. Eventually he began his own label in 2004. Within two years he was named the British Designer of the Year. His fashion show during London Fashion Week is always sold out and attended by various celebrities. But his childhood principles are still evident in his approach to the fickle world of fashion. He as quoted as saying, �(His collections are) not for wallflowers. I design clothes to be confidence givers. I want people to feel good in them.�

Next time you reach for a designer fashion in your closet, don�t forget the plain t-shirt. It makes a statement all its own.

What New Designer T-Shirts Are in the Works?

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:33:09 +0100

The UK has been quite successful in promoting its fashion industry and one of the main venues is London Fashion Week. At one time it was primarily a showcase for established designers only, but now new designers are given an opportunity to participate. From t-shirts to evening gowns, the array of fashionable designs from old and new industry members is a sight to behold. For the lucky new designer show participants, this particular venue often signals the start of a successful career in a highly competitive industry.

NEWGEN has recently announced the names of new designers awarded the privilege of participating in the London Fashion Week. These designers include Peter Pilotto, Meadham Kirchhoff, and House of Holland for catwalk sponsorship, and Michael van der Ham, Mary Katrantzou, and Danielle Scutt for sponsored exhibitions. There is also a category for sponsored presentation and that honor went to Louise Gray and SYKES.

NEWGEN promotes new designers by making financial contributions to offset fashion show and exhibition expenses. NEWGEN itself is sponsored by the well known Topshop. NEWGEN has been instrumental in promoting new designer participation in well established fashion shows and exhibitions.

London Fashion Week is globally recognized as a forum for new fashion designers. This gives young UK designers an opportunity to show their designs in a way that gains international recognition from both the press and clothing buyers. The addition of new designers to the show has created a venue that brings plenty of excitement to the industry.

The first Ambassador for Emerging Talent appointed is Sarah Mower. Ms. Mower was given the task of increasing the awareness of the UK designer business through new initiatives. She was appointed by the British Fashion Council which promotes the UK fashion industry on a worldwide scale.

UK Fashion and Textile Industry Find One Voice

Sun, 31 May 2009 16:25:16 +0100

In the United Kingdom, the fashion and textile industries have been working to find a single voice that can effectively promote products and interests. That is the basis for the formation of the British Clothing Industry Association (BCIA). The BCIA will be speaking and representing all aspects of the industry from the small retailer selling wholesale t-shirts to the global textile manufacturer to a variety of associations.

BCIA Chairman, Peter Lucas of the Baird Group, was quoted as saying, "We have made tremendous progress and have begun working with almost every trade association that covers the sector and the response has been extremely enthusiastic. I am delighted, too, that the new board comprises members who are passionate about their sector and want to help companies to trade more effectively both in the domestic market and overseas.

A new Board was recently formed and the UKFT reconsititued into a more effective assocation which is the BCIA. The BCIA is working to help the original UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT)develop new initatives for success. The UKFT board includes Nigel Lugg of Prominent Apparel, Simon Berwin of Brewin & Berwin, and Richard Craig of Margaret Howell. The BCIA board meets again in June of this year.

The first two associations to join BCIA were The Savile Row Bespoke Association and The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI). The ASCBI represents a large number of businesses including giant retail groups, clothing manufacturers, textile suppliers, fashion universities, and a number of other textile and garment businesses. The new BCIA will deal with the industry as a whole including issues related to exports and on fashion and textile global exhibits.

Up and Coming Designers of T-Shirts and Other Clothing

Sat, 30 May 2009 17:05:01 +0100

The up and coming designers of t-shirts and all the other types of clothing such as dresses, pants, skirts, and blouses, are getting a chance to launch their British careers with help. The fledgling designers from De Montfort University (DMU) majoring in Fashion Design will get to participate in Graduate Fashion Week on June 9.

The fashion event takes place at Earls Court II and includes at least 44 universities and other higher education facitlities holding exhibits. But only 18 of the very best student designs will be found on the show's catwalk. Graduate Fashion Week has been a launching pad for several famous designers including Stella McCartney and Julien Macdonald.

One of the more recent DMU students to find early fashion design success is Katie Eary. Ms. Eary greaduated in 2006 and has already had pieces included in the Autumn/Winter 2009 London Fashion Week MAN show. Ms. Eary said, "I learned a lot during my time at DMU and it has really helped me reach my goal of being an independent designer. The lecturers go out of their way for you and really strive to help you to make links with people in the fashion industry. I am really looking forward to seeing DMU's show at GFW and checking out what this year's students have created."

The Graduate Fashion Week is an inspiration for fashion students hoping to carve a career in the highly competitive fashion industry. In the past the student work has captured the interest of world renowned artists such as photogarapher Fabrice Lachant. It is his pictures that appear on DMU fashion school brochures for the last 3 years.

World Fair Trade Day Gets Charity Priced T-Shirts

Wed, 27 May 2009 20:29:04 +0100

The World Fair Trade Day is held annually to promote the ethical production of clothing. It is a large fair that is considered to be one of the most inspirational in terms of convincing people that ehtical garment production is a key issue. This is an issue growing in importance all the time and charity organizations are in the lead as promoters of of fair trade practices.

The World Fair Trade Day has been very influential in getting the word out and at the last show held on May 9th inspired the Shirtworks company to expand its offering of ethical clothing at cost. The World Fair Trade is a charity organization with the goal of promoting ethical growing and production standards for garment manufacturing.

Shirtworks has agreed to sell all ethically produced t-shirts and other clothing at cost and the customer only pays for printing or embroidery. Shirtowrk customers are primarily UK charities.

The Managing Director of Shirtworks is Arron Harnden and he said this: "The charity offer has been a huge success and it feels really good for us too as ethical trade is such an important issue to us. Many of our customers have been so enthusiastic about our principles, and with all of the excitement surrounding the World Fair Trade Day, we made the decision to extend the offer to all promotional clothing production." Shirtworks also sells hoodies and sweatshirts. Promotional clothing is used by a number of schools, clubs and charities to promote their name or cause. Mr. Harnden said, "We just want to help people make a choice that is fairer to other countries and the environment."(c) Image by Banjo Ari, www.sxc.hu/

Mix and Match Cotton

Mon, 25 May 2009 01:07:01 +0100

Summer is here but retailers are already stocking their shelves for fall. Buyers are reporting the new trend for the fall season is mixable cotton separates that can be easily incorporated into an already existing wardrobe.

Mix and match wear, such as cotton sweaters and t-shirts, will work well throughout the season. They can be layered and worn from the dog days of August through the cold months of November. Different cotton weaves and blends give texture variety and weight variability to the garments.

One of the most popular silhouettes for fall is the full- length sleeve cotton sweater over the basic short sleeve tee. These pieces are being sold individually and can pair with each other or with clothing already in the customer�s wardrobe.

Color choices also lend themselves to mixing and matching. Earth tones and neutrals are the most popular with jewel tones incorporated to add pop. For example, one major department store is already showing mannequins in their windows wearing cool, misty gray cotton sweaters with matching vibrant purple or ruby cotton tees to catch your eye.

Why the big focus on mix and match cotton wear for fall? Fashion industry experts say the trend is a carry-over from summer when mix and match pieces sold well in the depressed economy. �Our goal is to offer the customer something she can include in her existing wardrobe,� says Monte Miller of Sundrey�s Department Store. �Everyone goes into the season wanting to update their wardrobe. This may not be so easy for many women this year,� he continues. By offering high quality cotton options at affordable prices Miller is able to provide his customers with new selections for their wardrobes.

Miller�s comments bring up another point to consider in today�s economy. Consumers are looking for durable clothing. They want to be able to care for their clothing at home and trust it will not become washed out or frayed after a few washings. Cotton sweaters, cotton tees, and other cotton garments give customers an exceptional product and great fashion.

Promotional Clothing Can Be Fashionable: Fall Trends 2009

Fri, 22 May 2009 01:03:11 +0100

Current trends and fashions are important in the promotional clothing business. Vendors want to offer customers new colors and fashionable silhouettes and business owners are looking for comfort and great price.

Trends for fall 2009 include a focus on comfort. Promotional clothing for the season is being updated with casual and comfortable t-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, and sweats. Cotton and cotton blends in earthy, neutral colors are durable, comfy, and cost effective for business owners.

There will be no tight and constricting options, like collars that button high or tight sleeves this year, say promotional clothing experts. Tees and polo shirts will also come in a variety of sizes � no more �one size fits all� when it comes to dressing employees in promo wear.

Another big trend for fall is eco-friendly fabric choices for t-shirts, sweat shirts, and polo shirts. Organic clothing is made from cotton produced on sustainable farms that use earth friendly harvesting and processing methods. Businesses that dress their employees in eco-friendly wear or give away eco�friendly t-shirts to customers are letting consumers know they are concerned about more than making a sale. They also care about the environment.

Whether trying to stay in fashion or striving to protect the environment, promotional clothing is projected to be a big seller in the coming season. Business owners are seeing the advantages to presenting a unified �team� image when employees are dressed in promo wear. Customers are migrating to businesses that give away free promotional t-shirts. And everyone wins with comfortable and durable cotton clothing.

Comfort, eco-friendly, and cotton are the buzz words for fall 2009 promotional clothing. Business owners who provide high quality cotton tees to their customers and dress their employees in durable, eco-friendly cotton polo shirts are right on target with trends that are prevalent in the overall fashion industry.

T-Shirts for Life

Thu, 21 May 2009 00:51:18 +0100

Promotional clothing has moved out of the workplace and is becoming the new �it� item for charity events and fundraisers. Ford�s breast cancer campaign, Relay for Life, and AIDS awareness are only a few of the many causes that are gaining recognition and raising funds with promotional t-shirts.

Cotton t-shirts have been used by schools, bars, and sporting teams to gain brand recognition for many years. Who doesn�t remember wearing their favorite team�s jersey in high school?

Today, charitable organizations are getting in on the promotional clothing game. These organizations already have logos, catch phrases, and other identifying markers that can easily be incorporated onto a t-shirt. Their logo can easily be embroidered or silk screened right on the fabric for instant recognition.

What is the benefit to the charitable organization? A t-shirt with the organizations logo is an excellent way to garner support for a cause. The organization need only put up the money for the cotton tee itself and then receive free advertising every time the shirt is worn. The money spent on the shirts can even be recouped if the organization sells the tees to supporters.

A great looking, high quality cotton t-shirt with an attractive logo can become a fashion statement. The Ford Corporation sells its cancer awareness tees on its website and consulted with famous artists for the t-shirts� designs. Other charities have done the same and are attracting a whole new support base solely on promotional clothing.

Look for charitable organizations in your local area that could benefit from promotional tees. Set up a meeting and introduce the many advantages of high quality, cotton t-shirts with their organization�s logo. More funds coming in, more name recognition, and what it�s all about � more research dollars or support for their cause.

Remember, this may be an entirely new arena for charitable organizers. Show them many options in color and cotton fabric choice. Show them how promotional clothing will promote their cause.

Keep Them Coming Back With Polo Shirts

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:33:41 +0100

Promotional t-shirts and polo shirtsare the perfect choice for companies looking to stand out from the rest. They make great employee uniforms and customer giveaways. More importantly, they become walking billboards for your business.

Recent advertising studies show the advantage of giving t-shirts and polo shirts away at events, outings, or as customer gifts. It was found that almost 90 percent of the consumers surveyed were able to recall a company�s name or service after they were given a promotional t-shirt. A whopping 60 percent went on to buy from the company or use their services.

Promotional t-shirts and polo shirts also offer residual benefits the studies show. �Not only do the people who get the item become aware of your services. Every time they wear the shirt they are advertising for you. We even found that when the receiver stops wearing the t-shirt, usually after 6 months, 50 percent will be given away for someone else to wear,� states marketing expert Mark Senses.

What does this mean for your company? �Easily put, these results mean a major cut in your advertising budget. You give away 100 t-shirts at a cost of $8 apiece. Those hundred t-shirts have the potential of reaching over 100,000 people in 6 months. And if you give the t-shirts away to your target market the people they come into contact with when wearing your t-shirt will also be your target market,� Senses says about the real world marketing applications of the studies.

Promotional wear is a great way to brand your company or your business. It is a cost effective way to advertise and grow. If you are lucky your logo and t-shirt will become trendy, a have to have fashion item. You may end up actually selling the t-shirts because demand is so high. But, even if you don�t become a t-shirt seller you will benefit for months to come from your cadre of walking billboards.

Sweatshirts Trendy for Fall 2009

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:02:02 +0100

Sweatshirts, big last fall and winter, are projected to be the trendiest clothing item for fall �09. This versatile item appeals to all age groups and is very comfortable. These qualities make hoodies a great choice for promotional clothing.

Hoodies were popular in the 1980�s and often worn with matching sweats. In the past few years they made a comeback with the Gen X and extreme sports crowd. Then, last year the hoodie style sweatshirt exploded. It was the number fashion item for fall and winter �08 and is set to only grow in popularity this year.

Hoodie style sweatshirts can be embroidered or silk screened with your company logo. They can be worn by employees or given away to customers. Each time someone wears your hoodie you are getting free advertising; you are growing your brand.

One of the new trends for fall is the vintage look hoodie. This hoodie looks �old�. It has frayed edges, ripped seams, and may be somewhat faded. Another trend is high quality, thick cotton fabrics. Your employees and customers will appreciate and wear a hoodie that is comfortable and warm.

Colors for fall follow the vintage trend. Experts are predicting stonewashed blue, gray, antique white, and earth tones will be the popular colors for the season. When designing your promotional hoodie keep in mind that you do not want it to be too colorful. These earth tones and vintage fabric colors work well as a neutral background to make your logo pop.

Eco-friendly clothing is also popular for fall �09. Promotional hoodies in eco-friendly cotton will let your customers and the people who work for you know that you are making a company effort to protect the environment. This appeals to a broad range of the buying public and will only increase your customer base.

London Retail Sales Heat Up in Warmer Weather

Sun, 17 May 2009 23:34:44 +0100

Warmer weather in April bode well for fashion and footwear sales in London. Retail sales in the capital city rose by 5.4 percent on a like-for-like comparison. This number includes fashion and basic wear such polo shirts and t-shirts, and footwear.

Because the weather has been warmer, people have been more likely to go shopping even during a recession. The retail sales numbers were reported by the British Retail Consortium. This year it has been more difficult to make the like-for-like comparisons because of variations in the Easter holiday when comparing this year to last year. When comparing sales from Feburary through April, London's shopping district saw a 5.5 percent increase as opposed to the 5.4 percent for all of London. All numbers are on a like-for-like basis. In comparision, the UK has seen a .4 percent increase.

Another factor leading to higher London retail sales is the weak sterling. Visitors to London took advantage of the falling currency. Stephen Robertson is the Director General of the British Retail Consortium. He was quoted as saying, "Overall, London's customers are proving more resilient to recession. Since the start of the year, London retail sales have consistently outperformed the country as a whole with average growth for the year so far of 5.7 percent compared with almost no growth for the whole UK and London continued that sort of performance into April." He also said, "Sunshine and Easter didn't give London sales growth the big boost they provided for the rest of the UK but that's because the London figures were already well up on other parts of the country."

In the West End of London, the numbers for retail sales also rose by 3.1 percent in April. Because of the weak pound against the euro, domestic shoppers traveled to the West End shopping centers instead of traveling to other countries.

Question of Gender Based Discrimination in the Fashion Industry

Thu, 14 May 2009 23:06:00 +0100

Is there gender discrimination in the British fashion industry? Some people believe there is which means your sweats or other clothing may have been made by women who were paid less than their male counterparts. The British fashion industry, like the global industry, has often been accused of gender based discrimination. It must exist up to a point because some of the biggest fashion retailers have publicly said they are working to eliminate the disparities.

The company's that have said they are offering training to women who need the additional education in order to better compete in the workplace include Courtaulds and Marks & Spencer's. The critics of the fashion industry point out some companies in the past have purposely divided men and women workers in the workplace in a way that prevents women from getting the training needed for higher paying jobs. A well known footwear company, Church & Co., is working to insure its women workers have access to training grants offered by Skillfast UK to prevent these kinds of issues.

Some of the numbers seem to support the complaints that women are not given equal employment opportunities in the fashion industry. In the UK, women hold 37 percent of the management and executive positions but make up 52 percent of the workforce. In addition, the women are paid 15 percent less than men in the fashion and textile sectors.

Not everyone agrees there is a significant inequality issue, especially when discussing their own companies. Caroline Rush is a joint chair of the British Fashion Council. She said, "The fashion industry is one of the largest employers for women, has many strong role models and provides a broad variety of career opportunities."

Look for Eco T-Shirts at Interstoff Asia Essential Autumn

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:39 +0100

In October 2009 you can visit the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and find yourself in the midst of representatives from the Asian fashion and textile industries. Called the Interstoff Asia Essential Autumn, it provides a trading platform for a variety of textile and garment brands. One of the primary purposes of the event is to showcase the functional fabrics and eco-friendly textiles that are distinctive while being practical.

The event features many diferent kinds of fabrics and plenty of environmentally friendly clothing. There will be almost 200 exhibitors including both small and big retailers. There will be a variety of garments made from the various textiles in order to show the fabrics' usefulness and practial design. The exhibitors will including everyting from outdoor fabrics to ec-friendly tees.

The exhibitors who will take part in the fall show include Tawainese Everest Textile, Co. and the China based Mozartex Co. Ltd. The exhibit hall where the show will take place is located in Hong Kong. One of the reasons Hong Kong was chosen is because it accounts for up to 80 percent of the Asian textile exports. Exports include those from China, Vietnam, Cambodia and a host of other Asian countries.

The eco-textiles being displayed at the show will prove the level of sophistication that technology has created in fabrics. The show was created by Messe Frankfurt, a German based trade fair organiser. Despite the recession, the company has sales of 436 million euros in November 2008 alone. The Interstoff Asia Essential Autumn trade show gives both fashion and fabric designers a chance to show their advanced creations.

Summer T-Shirts Contribute to Rise in UK Retail Sales

Wed, 13 May 2009 19:02:37 +0100

Summer t-shirts contributed to a rise in UK retail sales in April. That may not sound like a major accomplishment unless you consider the fact that the UK economy has been laboring under the recession and April 2009 retail sales were the highest they have been in over a year. It wasn�t just t-shirts and polo shirts though that helped retail sales figures improve. It was the general category of summer clothes.

Retail sales rose by 6.3 percent over the last three months. The increase was primarily attributed to clothing and food sales. There were also increases in the sales of non-food seasonal items like those for gardening. The British Retail Consortium and KPMG reported food sales increased by 6.9 percent in the first quarter of 2009. Overall non-food sales fell by .9 percent for the same time period. It was the sales of items like summer tees that kept the number so low for the non-food sales category. When comparing non-food retail sales for the first quarter of 2009 to the fourth quarter of 2008, it is .9 percent instead of 5.1 percent. This shows the significant progress made to date.

Helen Dickenson of KPMG was quoted as saying, �But the rise in sales adds to the sense that consumers have been happier to shop in this recession than many had feared. We are not falling off a cliff in the same way some thought we might at the end of last year. People aren�t reining in spending as much as some expected.� She also said that consumers have more to spend because fuel and utility prices have been falling. Unfortunately, despite the retail numbers, retailers are not particularly optimistic about sales for the remainder of the year.(c) Image by Keith Syvinski, www.sxc.hu/

T-Shirts Online

Tue, 12 May 2009 01:15:34 +0100

One of the fastest growing retail sectors is clothing. This is per the IMRG which issues the Hitwise Hot Shops List. This list looks at websites and evaluates how they are working in terms of attracting customers. Clothing is one of the leading e-retail items selling.

Clothes of all kinds from sweats to high fashion are selling on the internet.

The IMRG company is now issuing a top 100 listing of websites. The company which has taken the top ranking since 2006, when the list was started, is Amazon. Second in line on the list is Argos.

The list looks at sites in a number of ways. They are ranked according to their abilities to attract customers their ability to convince customers to buy online. The rankings include a number of retailers, but clothing proved to be the fastest growing e-commerce this time. Eight specialty retailers rose the fastest on the list with Marks & Sepncer's and ASOS being the top two in the fastest rising category.

Other clothing retailers included on the list of great websites include Topshop, River Island, and New Look. The companies which have become what is considered an elite group are Amazon, Argos, Play.com, and Tesco.

Four of the top ten retailers have storefronts in addition to their websites. These is a loss of one retailer selling in a store and on the internet. On the list of the top 50 retailers, 28 currently have store fronts. This represents an increase of 5 storefronts since the list was started in 2006. The Hitwise Hot Shopes provides important information about what company is doing the best in terms of e-retailing. Clearly clothing is becoming a leading online market sector.

Marks & Spencer Cut Dividends

Mon, 11 May 2009 02:20:42 +0100

Marks and Spencer cut its dividend after profits declined due to the recession. The company is 125 years old and has experienced a decline in like-for-like sales in the United Kingdom. Sales have fallen by 5.9 percent over the year. This includes falling sales in all merchandise including clothes like sweatshirts and cheap t-shirts.

The dividend payout has been cut to 15p per share. It was previously 22.5p per share. Interestingly, sales rose but profits fell. Last January the firm had to reduce its payroll by 1,200 jobs. It also closed 27 stores.

The head of UK equities at Hargreaves Lansdown is Richard Hunter. He said, "The continuing retrenchment of the consumer towards cheaper products and the increasing agility of the competition are playing away from Marks and Spencer. Whilst our profit was down on the previous year, we took decisive action to respond to the changing needs of our customers and to mitigate the impact of the economic downturn."

Marks and Spencer's profits fell to �706 million. The chairman of the company, Stuart Rose, said, "We remain cautious about the outlook for the remainder of the year."

Marks and Spencer has opened stores around the world including China, Europe, India and the Middle East. There are plans to open additional ones depending on the state of the global recession.

T-Shirts Have Footprints

Fri, 08 May 2009 17:22:17 +0100

Everything on the face of the earth leaves a carbon footprint. You can be talking about t-shirts or about the dyes in the shirts, but the discussion of the carbon footprint made by textile manufacturing processes is a hot topic today in the face of a deteriorating natural environment. The carbon footprint refers to the level of environmental impact something or someone creates. The carbon footprint can be thought of as a means of measurement to define how activities affect the environment including air, water, and ground. One of the main activities creating the largest carbon footprint is the burning of fossil fuels.

If you are like most consumers, you do not know the impact the manufacturing of any particular t-shirts or sweaters has on the environment. That is why so many groups are working to educate the public. The garment and textile industry has a large carbon footprint because of the many dyes and fabrics used that are in addition to the enormous amount of electricity needed to operate the mills and production plants. Textile industrial operations eject numerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases absorb radiation from the sun and that changes the balance of the environment leading to temperature increases.

The textile industry leaves a large carbon footprint in other ways too. For example, textiles are dumped into landfills even when they are recyclable. But it is the process itself which creates the worst problem. Chemicals are used at almost every stage of garment production from pre-washing to printing. During the desizing stage, chemicals are used again to release the chemicals used initially. The carbon footprint grows larger at each stage. And while the chemicals are being used, fossil fuels are being burned to generate power and for heating and cooling.

That is one reason why some people try to buy organic clothing when possible. Organic clothing is produced in a way that leaves a smaller carbon footprint. But in the long run, it will take a multi-pronged approach that includes new production processes, more attention to recycling, and increased consumer awareness.

Click and Pay For Your Sweatshirts

Thu, 07 May 2009 01:07:23 +0100

ClickandBuy ordered a survey of British consumers buying items using the internet. The survey was completed by YouGov in April 2009 and included responses from 2,030 adults in the United Kingdom. The purpose of the survey was to identify the habits of online shoppers.

The results were very surprising! Consumers trying to buy everything from food to sweaters were canceling their purchases when unable to pay with their preferred payment method. What this means is that online retailers are losing millions worth of sales when customers can't choose from among a range of payment options. It seems that shoppers are much more comfortable using an internet vendor who offers more than one payment option.

ClickandBuy is an internet payment system which is why the company commissioned the survey. The survey discovered that as many as 50 percent of online shoppers will cancel a a purchase when it's time to pay because they can't pay the way they prefer.

One of the big issues that came to light was continued concern about using e-commerce with minimal risk. Many internet shoppers are worried about financial security and identify theft when paying online. Up to 83 percent of survey respondants said they believe that internet fraud is a growing risk as internet use expands around the globe. It is another reason why internet shoppers are canceling purchases even after going to all the effort to make item selections.

Internet merchants can lose many valuable sales if its customers do not feel secure going through the payment process. Forty-five percent of those surveyed did say they planned on using the internet more looking for cheaper prices as the recession lingers on. But one-third admitted they do not feel any safer buying online now as compared to how they felt about internet shopping five years ago. So when shopping online for anything including t-shirts and polo-shirts, make sure you use a proven and reliable vendor.

British Company Barbour Adds Crest to Clothing Including Polo Shirts

Wed, 06 May 2009 01:34:09 +0100

A crest has been used for centuries as a symbol to represent a family name or special status. You don't see them too often anymore having been relegated mostly to the history books. But sometimes it makes an appearance as it has in the new line of Barbour clothing.

Barbour is a British outfitter that recently joined the Japanese designer Tokihio Yoshida to create a whole new line of clothing. Barbour is known for its classicly styled clothing but this new line will deviate from their traditional look. The collection will be called "Britprep" and it is intended to have a more contemporary design.

Barbour & Sofor is most famous for selling waxed jackets. It is an old British firm with a distinguished history and Royal Warrants from several members of the royal family. The new Britprep clothing line will include rugby shirts, blazers, jackets, and polo shirts. It is on these pieces of clothing the crest will appear. The new crest is actually a blend of old and new. The original Barbour family coat of arms is mixed with a logo design to create the crest.

The Britprep clothing line is a summer line. According to the Barbour company, the Britprep style is "not quite as clean and crisp as American preppy." Britprep relies on layering so each person can create his or her individual style. According to Barbour, "The collection pays particular attentin to fashion, color and tradition capturing the esssence of 'Britishness'."

The crest is the equivalent of a logo. Creating the new logo is intended to identify the clothing as having been designed by a collaborative effort between Barbour and Yoshida.

Image by Dariusz Daras, www.sxc.hu/

London�s West End Seeks Shoppers!

Tue, 05 May 2009 01:47:50 +0100

The London West End was busy promoting the area as a shopper�s paradise when the recession hit. Like most retailers, the last year has been very difficult with consumers shopping and spending less. But as the recession begins to ease, it has quickly become time for retail districts to pick up where they left off before the economic crisis.

The London West End is launching a campaign for 50 days designed to bring attention to itself. The initiative is called, �West End It�s Time,� and there will be a series of events that planners hope will bring shoppers back to spend money. The campaign is sponsored by the New West End Company and Westminster Council.

Shoppers looking for everything from sweats to furniture will find a host of shops holding special events that will make shopping fun. In addition, the London�s West End wants to encourage visitors looking for a great place to have a holiday to consider the area. London Mayor Boris Johnson has been under pressure to do more to promote the West End district. The initiative will include concerts, discounts, special events, values, and even traffic-free days. All events are free.

Mayor Johnson said, �It is immensely encouraging to see West End businesses coming together to ensure we keep attracting shoppers and tourists into town during these tough times.� As more and more UK residents stay home or choose to holiday in their own country, the West End hopes to find many of them coming to its part of time to shop and have a good time. The West End Marketing Alliance was formed to develop a plan to encourage people from around the UK to visit. The initiative began this week. The New West End Company representative, Jace Tyrrell, was quoted as saying, �With many Brits choosing to holiday at home this year, �West End It�s Time� is an initiative dedicated to this growing trend.�

Recession T-Shirt Buyers Going Online

Mon, 04 May 2009 01:18:58 +0100

There is a new research report issued indicating that during the current recession, more buyers are going online to find everything from house wares to white t-shirts. The report was prepared by LinkShare and Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates. The data was accumulated after interviewing a number of shoppers in March 2009.

A new term has been invented for consumers shopping online to find the best prices � �Recession Shopper�. The recession shoppers are those buyers looking for a way to lower expenses while still buying essentials. The interesting information supplied in this report is the fact that, of the people interviewed, nine out of ten believe they can get the best deal online by doing their own research as opposed to asking retail personnel in a store. In other words, consumers are beginning to gain more confidence in internet information as opposed to the information given by store personnel.

Recession shoppers going online are savvy buyers who know how to shop wisely by comparing prices. Many times the shopper used price comparison engines. They also read reviews written by others and rely on loyalty rewards for additional price reductions.

Recession shoppers buying items online, including even simple polo shirts, carefully spend their money after doing the research and will take advantage of special pricing and relevant vouchers. The research reports showed 31 percent of the respondents will do additional shopping online this year compared to last year. It also said that a minimum of 58 percent of the respondents will spend an amount online this year at least equal to the amount spent online last year.

Linkshare Managing Director Liane Dietrich was quoted as saying, �The message to retailers is clear: consumers are moving online to deal with the recession. To take advantage of this opportunity, retailers must provide a clear value message in all of their online communications.�

Image by Zsuzsanna Kili�n, www.sxc.hu/

Secret Life of T-Shirts at the G-20 Meeting

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:55:12 +0100

Chances are you did not see any cheap t-shirts at the G-20 conference in London. The television cameras showed men in white shirts and dark suits and women wearing pants suits and dresses. But don't assume the t-shirt was not present, because many of the attendees are avid exercisers, like US President Obama, and take every chance they get to play a little basketball or enjoy other recreational activities as opportunity permits.

The fashion style at the G-20 meeting was decidely sedate and conservative. Mr. Roberto Girombelli, and Italian tailor, summed it up best when he said, "Generally, I'd expect Americans to dress for comfort, Russians to favour cuts that underline the body's natural shape, with Italians placing the highest premium on style, favouring styles that smooth over physical eccentricities.

Of course the world is naturally more interested in what the women, either attending the conference or accompanying attendees, wore. On them you could find elegant t-shirts designed by small fashion houses and expensive dresses with name brand labels.

At the G-20 summit, the general understanding is that there are limited opportunities to express personal style. There is a uniform that men wear that consists of a dark suit and a white shirt and a tie in an offsetting colour. There is little room for tees at these events until it's time to find a little time to stretch the legs doing some exercises in private.

So the color seen at the G-20 meeting was mostly found in the ties and the women's dresses. The ties were yellow and blue and black for the most part. Michael Booth of Hilditch & Kay talked about the options for including colour in the somber uniforms of the conference attendees. He said, "A yellow tile can lift those around you as well as onlookers. Indeed, I tend to think this way myself. During difficult times such as these, we do need brightening up." And that is exactly why you can be assured at some point during the conference, some of the attendees pulled out their bright comfortable t-shirts to relax in.

Buying Polo-Shirts on Credit?

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:52:06 +0100

Are you a retailer buying your polo shirts on credit? You are not alone, but you are certainly in a smaller crowd. Retailers in the UK have reported that the lack of trade credit insurance has impacted their ability to stay financially viable through the recession. The British Retail Consortium issued a report called the �Credit Conditions Survey�, and it unveils some of the problems retailers are having in a difficult economy.

The credit insurance covers suppliers selling on credit to the retailers. With the recession has come an inability to accurately assess financial conditions of companies and that has led to less insurance. The insurance companies are either withdrawing or lowering the amount of trade credit insurance leaving retailers in a position where suppliers are demanding up-front cash payments. This is a problem that is made worse by the fact cash flow is down in most retailers.

The net result of lowered trade credit insurance levels is many retailers are having to divert cash to suppliers or are unable to get bank loans to cover purchases. The British Retail Consortium believes the UK government should provide the necessary guarantees to insurers so retailers can continue to function. The director of the Consortium, Stephen Robertson, said, �For retailers to survive and keep people in work they need to keep shelves stocked with the goods customers want. In these uncertain times, it�s even more important suppliers have the confidence that trade credit insurance brings. Cover must remain available.� He continued on to say, �UK retailing employs more people than the whole of manufacturing and is every bit as deserving of support.� The Consortium feels it is simply asking the government to help retailers weather the recession by insuring they can keep buying those polo-shirts, t-shirts, and all other clothing, on credit.

Iconic Clothing Includes T-Shirts

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:28:13 +0100

Anything that is iconic is something that holds cultural value or is recognized as a symbol of those values. Iconic items bring back memories from times gone. In the fashion industry, adding the iconic quality to some lines or outfits is a popular activity. This was most recently seen in the Matthew Williamson iconic clothing pieces from the past combined with the vivid colour of the present.

Fashion designer Williamson has decided to collaborate with H&M stores to showcase and sell his designs. The clothing lines include everything from dresses to t-shirts. The clothing pieces and outfits are an interesting mixture of reworked designs that use the best of the past collections and the vivid colors and styles of the current fashion world. But making them even more interesting is the fact the collection also includes global cultural influences which only add to its appeal.

The launch of the new collection took place on 29-April-2009 and the clothing will be sold in 200 H&M stores around the world. Matthew Williamson had this to say about his new line: �I wanted to create a strong urban collection fused with the brand�s signature symbols and shapes. It�s been fascinating to search back through my archives to isolate the most iconic pieces, then rework them for H&M. Colour is one of the defining aspects of my signature style, I focused on the iconic peacock motif seen across my collections to develop a palette of blues, chartreuse and emerald. The spirit of the collection is both covetable and precious.�

The launch attracted a number of celebrities. The sharp tailoring to the colourful printed t-shirts held something for everyone. The celebrities were the most anxious to buy the pieces and the line proved popular on its first day of sale.

Iconic additions to fashion lines can add just the right appeal for consumers, and there is no piece of clothing more iconic than the t-shirt.

Image by Moi Cody, www.sxc.hu/

Few T-Shirts in Valentino Film

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:59:37 +0100

There is an independent documentary film out named, �Valentino: The Last Emporer�. Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, it tells the story of the famous clothing designer while also addressing the changing world of haute couture.

In this film, you will not find many simple t-shirts because this is a story about high fashion and silk. It is also a story about how the fashion houses are besieged by private equity groups and global clothing chains that want access to the assets of these trend-setting fashion empires. The problem is the equity firms will dismantle the existing business and take the pieces needed for their own clothing empires. After 45 years in the business, the designer Valentino is faced with major changes that could irrevocably change his business.

In Valentino Garavani�s world there are jets, perfect women who wear his fashions with grace and style, and plenty of glitzy catwalks and parties. The fashion designer has a long term companion, Giancarlo Giammetti, and the film explores the friendship and the success of Valentino.

Most people wear moderately priced clothing including t-shirts and jeans. The t-shirts found in this film will be made of the most expensive materials found and embellished with hand sewn accessories. But it is the exotic appeal and the seldom seen view of the interior of a gala-filled world that is fascinating. Viewers get a glimpse of the secret thoughts and goals of one of the most famous designers to ever live. The clothing sparkles throughout out even as the fashion mogul tries to deal with the pressure of industry change.

The clothing industry is in flux due to the recession, the internet, and the need to meet consumer demands. The film looks at both Valentino the fashion designer, and Valentino the friend. But the real message is that nothing in this world ever stays the same and that includes even the most expensive world of high fashion.

British Fashion Council Gets New Structure

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:12:55 +0100

The British Fashion Council has announced it is putting a new structure in place as the organization celebrates 25 years. The British Fashion Council (BFC) is a nonprofit company that is dedicated to promoting British fashion ranging from the high couture fashion on the catwalk to the every day wear tees. The BFC promotes the industry in a number of ways including sponsoring fashion weeks and holding special events designed to gain worldwide attention.

The new structure being put into place includes developing a full time management team. The Council has grown in influence and stature over the years to the point where a larger management team is needed with access to resources. The Chairman of the British Fashion Council is Harold Tillman. He announced that the popular London Fashion Week would move to Somerset House beginning in September of this year. In addition, there will now be joint Chief Executives and both of them have extensive experience with the British Fashion Council. Simon Ward and Caroline Rush will replace Hilary Riva. Ms. Riva will be concentrating on future projects.

ms. Riva said, �There are many challenges ahead as well as opportunities. In order to take advantage of the opportunities and to work through the challenges an increased management team is required. I am delighted that both Caroline and Simon, who have been part of the changes we have made to date and who are both committed to achieving our shared goals and vision have agreed to take on these roles. I look forward to now focusing on projects that form part of the BFC�s 25th year legacy strategy and new projects that will be of long term value to the industry.�